Pages

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

"Cycling in the Netherlands" says, "Based on the frequent requests for information from policy-makers, politicians and NGO’s from all over the world, we decided to produce a comprehensive brochure about cycling in the Netherlands, giving an actual overview on the results and findings of relevant studies and experiences."

See: "Cycling in the Netherlands."[pdf] The Directorate-General for Passenger Transport, Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat (Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management), The Netherlands, 2007. 62pp.

Some titbits will be surprising. Perhaps the most startling: according to a mobility study, 70% of all journeys are 7.5km or less. And 61% of people making these trips either walk or cycle!

"Bicycles are fast – in the city, they are often faster than cars. Cycling is healthy. Bicycles are environmentally friendly. So the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management is promoting this means of transportation, particularly indirectly through provinces and municipalities, which will then build cycle paths and provide bicycle racks. There are many benefits to bicycles, both for you and for the country."

"SINGAPORE : Transport Minister Raymond Lim said more and better bicycle parking facilities will be made available around MRT stations and bus interchanges.

The initiative will be implemented progressively, starting with towns where demand for bicycle parking facilities currently outstrips supply.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will carry out a year-long pilot study in 2009 in Pasir Ris, Tampines and Yishun to gather feedback and better understand the needs of cyclists before extending it to other MRT stations and bus interchanges, said Mr Lim.

He was responding to a written question by Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng on integrating cycling into urban transport planning.

Mr Lim said other cycling initiatives have been listed in the land transport review.

From March this year, cyclists will be allowed to carry their foldable bicycles onboard buses and trains on a trial basis during off-peak periods.

LTA will impose size restrictions and other conditions to ensure that the safety and comfort of other commuters are not compromised. - CNA /ls"

Monday, February 18, 2008

"The green man began to flash as I walked up to the traffic crossing. Being quite late at night, the road was empty, but it was also wide. I decided to wait for the next gree...

Squeeeek. Crash. F*#^$&@k.

Both he and his bicycle were sprawled on the ground. I staggered onto the asphalt but managed to recover my balance. He had come down the same footpath and run into me from behind."

"Do Singaporeans care enough about public safety? Why have we not provided paths for bicycles, separate from pedestrians?" See "Safety on trial," by Alex Au. Yawning Bread. 18 February 2008. See comments here.